Local, best-selling author inspired by life around her

By MARJORIE LOW

Marjorie Low

Published 12:00 am, Monday, October 9, 2000

Middletown Press Correspondent

DURHAM -- "I am blessed," declares local author Amy Bloom. "Writing was something that always came easily to me. My dad is a journalist. As a child I admired the way he could work at home doing what he loved and still earn a living. I was also very close to my paternal grandfather till I was 10 years old."

Her new book of eight short stories, "A Blind Man Can See How Much I Love You," published by Random House, has been given rave reviews by many sources, including the New York Times.

Bloom, also a psychotherapist, has lived in Connecticut for 25 years. She admits her writing career has had an effect on this profession. "In the past five years, I have found it necessary to decrease the number of patients in order to limit my private practice."

Though her writing took off in her early years of schooling, it was not until years later that she began to pursue her interest.

Bloom's English teacher in junior high school encouraged and critiqued her work. He was later to be her English teacher in high school, where he again became her mentor. "From my teens to my thirties, I never wrote another word," Bloom admits.

Recently returned from a whirlwind tour of personal appearances from California to New York City, Bloom is taking a short respite at her home in Durham.

She is an avid reader and especially loves the 19th-century classics, with Dickens and Louisa May Alcott high on the list. "As a young girl, I read all of the 'Little Women' books. Poetry, philosophy, biography and fiction are all-inclusive. I have no favorite authors. There are too many to enjoy," Bloom says.

An enthusiastic tennis player, she finds it stimulating mentally, physically and emotionally. "If I had the time, I'd play tennis every day." Another hobby is her flower garden, a source of pride and enjoyment. Travel for pleasure and recreation is something she hopes to do more of in the future.

Bloom's first short story published, "Love Is Not a Pie," was in 1991. It was chosen that same year for "Best American Short Stories," then "Silver Water" in 1992 was selected. "Semper Fidelis" appeared in the O. Henry Prize Collection in 1994.

Currently, she is writing an article for the Atlantic Monthly and another for Elle magazine. Psychotherapy was Blooms' chosen career because, as she admits, "I am not judgmental." Her stories reflect this open-minded, generous, compassionate attitude in relating to people from all walks of life. Her characters are drawn quickly and expertly with a great economy of words. Relationships are felt by the reader.

"A Blind Man Can See How Much I Love You" is a quote by Huddie to Elizabeth in Bloom's novel, "Love Invents Us." Bloom explains: "I used that as the title for my new book of stories because I love that saying. It's been told to me in my lifetime and has special meaning."

The collection is made up of stories of families that stay together long after they had expected to dissolve; of love finding its way into places it doesn't belong; of a mother and her adored little girl both discovering that the girl would be happier to grow up as a man; a family Thanksgiving with no pleasure or pain unobserved; a quiet women's revenge; an unlikely mother and son, appalling, appealing; stories found only in life and in Bloom's work.

Two characters from "Sleep Walking" published in "Come to Me" reappear in her new book. The story is "Lionel and Julia." Lionel, a young black man who is stepson to the widowed Julia, 19 years his senior, and white; is tragically in love with his stepmother.

Recently, Bloom signed an agreement with a Hollywood studio for her novel, "Love Invents Us," to be written into a screenplay. "Hollywood is a fun place to do business, as long as you don't count on it," she adds.

The eight short stories in "A Blind Man Can See How Much I Love You" reveal a cast of characters who take control of their lives. Against all odds, they are empowered by the spirit in which they make their life decisions.

Bloom is a spontaneous writer who derives inspiration from bits and pieces of life around her to weave into unusual stories. She carries a notebook at all times to jot down ideas and conversations at airports, restaurants and other public places. "I've always loved to make up stories," Bloom explains. "I'd like to write for at least the next 40 years."

Bloom read at Atticus Bookstore, 45 Broad St., Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Call 347-1194, for information. The Wesleyan University graduate will appear at the Russell House Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. For information, call Nancy Albert at 685-2280.